"What the hell do I have to do with this?!" Ashton shouted, his voice echoing around the room, startling Bella, who had just finished persuading him to help. She hadn't expected the situation to escalate this way after Daniel arrived, urgently explaining Anastasia's kidnapping.
Daniel leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "You know exactly how you're involved, Ashton. You started this, and you know what she wants from you."
Ashton's jaw tightened. "Since our deal fell through… I don't think I owe her anything."
"Then you should've handled it properly. Because of you, someone else became a victim." Daniel's voice was calm, but a storm brewed behind his eyes, his fists clenched with barely restrained anger.
"Ashton, please," Bella said, her tone both pleading and firm.
